A front view of the four story, marble-clad United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.
Click on photo to enlarge. (Photo – Mark Fischer)

To: Those intent on voting for Gary Johnson, Ron Paul supporters, and other ‘write-in’ voters…

Take a moment to read the following IMPORTANT article from Matthew D. Carling, Esq. He lays out the case for thoughtfully considering the repercussions of your voting choices. For years to come, America’s course will be determined through coming Supreme Court appointees.

Carling’s background:

Matthew D. Carling is an attorney specializing in appellate law in the states of Utah and Nevada. He has previously been a prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office of Lincoln County, Nevada, has served as a defense attorney, and also as Judge Pro Tempore for the North Las Vegas Municipal Courts. He received both his Juris Doctor and Master’s of Business Administration from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Every four years, American voters eagerly line up to choose their favorite candidate for President. We brim with hope for a leader who sees the world like we do—someone a lot like us. But once our ideal contender is eliminated from the field, disappointment often turns to disgust. Voters by the thousands remove themselves from the political battlefield and refuse to participate further. It’s either my nominee or nothing.

Consoled in the belief that one vote won’t matter, the disenfranchised gently beguile themselves into apathy. Surely four more years of any single administration cannot possibly unravel the rich heritage of our nation. Others withdraw out of a need to take a moral stand, indignant over the flaws they would otherwise feel they are endorsing with their vote. Some even choose strategic revenge, hoping to punish less-pure conservatives with four more years under a stanch liberal president — a small price to pay if the lesson finally awakens such “useful idiots” from their folly. After all, how much damage can one president leave that can’t be undone by his successor?

These might be valid points except for one detail. A president’s most lasting legacy is not usually the bills he signs into law, his executive orders or even the wars over which he presides. It is his unique role in shaping the entire third branch of government, the Supreme Court, which has power to overrule the others. Indeed, his nominations to the bench can alter our society for generations.

Consider George W. Bush. With the retirement of Justice O’Connor and the passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist, President Bush reshaped the Court with his nominations of John Roberts and Samuel Alito, both thoughtful and mostly conservative jurists. Whatever Bush’s faults, these two acts could benefit our nation immensely for generations to come. President Obama, on the other hand, countered by replacing two activist jurists (Souter & Stevens) with two more: Elena Kagen and Sonia Sotomayor, each fully in step with the current Administration’s societal and political agenda. These appointments have not disappointed the progressive left.

How much does this matter? For most people it depends on the issue. Until recently, for millions of Americans in major cities across the nation, owning a handgun was severely restricted if not banned entirely. For decades, Second Amendment advocates had wistfully dreamed of the Supreme Court striking such laws, but were afraid to bring forth a case. What if they lost? Might the Court instead end up nullifying the Second Amendment? On June 28, 2010, with Bush’s appointees the Court finally acknowledged the original intent: that no government, whether federal, state or local, may deny a citizen the right to keep and bear arms.[i] The victory, however, was a narrow one—only 5 to 4. If one more left leaning justice had been appointed, it would have gone the other way. Dissenting, Justice Stevens argued that owning a personal firearm was not a “liberty” interest protected by the Constitution. Likewise, Justice Stephen Breyer stated, “the Framers did not write the Second Amendment in order to protect a private right of armed self-defense.” With a single vote, this suppressive notion would have been the majority opinion.

In just the last decade, this same narrow margin has preserved school choice laws at the state level, but unfortunately tipped the other way and failed to roll back eminent domain abuse. The constitution’s safety in the court is fragile indeed.

SPOILER ALERT: In this post I’ll tell you why polls are looking very good for Mitt, but will also conclude by saying it only matters if we all dig in, do our part to get out the vote. So click the “ComMITTed” link!

I’ve now seen three commentaries on the latest Gallup poll, and they’re telling a consistent story: Chigago is, or should be, sweating profusely about these latest polling numbers. And the evidence is they are.

The Eye Candy: National Polls.

National polls are great and continue to give encouraging news of a Mitt 2-4% lead. The RealClearPolitics average of polls gives Mitt a solid 1% edge. The latest poll in that group, a Rasmussen poll of 1,500 likely voters from October 25 to October 27 (yesterday), gives Mitt a 3% lead. The underlying data show Mitt is winning more Republicans (90%) than Obama is Democrats (85%), but the big news on the national front is that Mitt is leading among independents by 11%. But national polls are really the eye candy of the presidential politics. Fun to look at, but in the end, not what will make the difference.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: State Polls

What’s really important, as we all know, is what happens in the electoral college. So what about those swing states? Well, there’s good news there, too, even if there’s lots of work to be done. Rasmussen’s electoral college map, based on Rasmussen’s own polling in each state, shows Mitt leading or tied in the critical swing states of Florida (50%/48%), Virginia (50%/47%), Colorado (50%/46%), Iowa (48%/48%), New Hampshire (50%/48%), Wisconsin (49%/49%) and, perhaps most importantly, Ohio (48%/48%). Given Mitt was behind in these states a couple weeks ago, and the press’ coronation of Obama as the narrow winner of the last two debates, the trends here are in the right direction: Mitt is gaining when it counts, and Mitt has an ability to improve, while Obama, who the voters have known for four years, is more likely to drop. Other states are also narrowing: Minnesota and Pennsylvania are closer than expected, if still leaning Obama. And no one thought Wisconsin would be tied a few weeks ago. If you don’t like Rasmussen’s numbers, you can turn to RealClearPolitics’ collection of polls and resulting electoral college map. RCP reports similar numbers for each of those states. It shows Virginia, Colorado and New Hampshire in a closer race, with Obama having a slight lead in Iowa, Wisconsin and Ohio, with Mitt continuing to make inroads.

So national and state polling shows it’s a very close race, Obama has a miniscule and shrinking lead in states he needs to win, and Mitt is either tied or within easy striking distance in all the same states. Very encouraging for a challenger.

But…there’s more.

The Zinger: the Latest Gallup Poll

The real story is that Gallup poll. Neil Stevens of Red State dissects Gallup’s numbers and says:

We always talk about the independent, swing vote in elections because those tend to be the persuadables. But party ID numbers matter as well, because those partisan voters tend to split better than 90/10 for their party.

It is for that reason that Gallup’s new partisan ID split, one that mimics what Rasmussen has been saying all along, predicts nothing less than doom for the Democrats, and a solid, national win for Mitt Romney this year.

…the numbers are brutal. In 2008, the Democrats had a 39-29 (D+10) advantage in hard party ID, and a 54-42 (D+12) advantage with leaners. In 2012 though, we’re in the post-TEA party era. Republicans now show a 36-35 (R+1) hard party ID advantage, and a 49-46 (R+3) lead with leaners. This gives us a range of party ID swings from 2008, from R+11 to R+15.

[Emphasis added.]

What does this mean? In a tight election with key swing states on the edge and voter turnout key, more of those voters self-identifying as Republicans than Democrats this year means things may be better than they look on the surface of the polls. Mr. Stevens then goes further and says what these numbers would mean if plugged into his own electoral college model. It generates an estimate of the electoral college results if more voters self-ID as Republican versus his baseline year. Here’s the picture:

“America got to know more about Mitt Romney’s life tonight, than Barack Obama’s four years in the White House,” was the immediate response from a senior Republican delegate from NM on the bus, as we were leaving the Forum following Romney’s acceptance speech.

The quote above summarizes up the goal Mitt Romney has aimed to reach in his first introduction to the nation, as the Republican nominee for President of the United States. This election is not only a referendum on Barack Obama’s job as president, but also a choice of two different directions for the future of our country, and the distinct character style in making the case to the voters, in order to earn their trust in leading the nation through these troubling times.

Here are my four observations of the Republican convention and of Romney’s introduction to the nation last night:

1) Romney did not elaborate nor disclose specified policies. Nonetheless, the speech was generally policy oriented. While attacking Obama’s record, Romney layed out a new direction, one that makes sense and that has all the leads towards recovering from this staggering economy.

2) Romney told an incredible story about himself, not a tragic one, but of a loving upbringing that allowed him to grow up and become successful by his own terms. America got to see Mitt Romney – the grown up, the loving college kid, the husband, the father and the grandfather.

Romney’s personal story provided us with compelling proof that if you set the right foundation – with the necessary fundamentals – that sets the future of your child, with love, devotion, family values and giving them to understand the exceptionalism of America. It ultimately offers them a chance of growing up, setting the right goals in achieving the American dream and launching a successful career.

3) If you haven’t liked Mitt Romney, at least you have come to admire him on a personal level, even more in trusting him to lead with trust and honesty.

4) The most important aspect in winning an election in order to govern, which is – winning over independents and disappointed voters. That crucial voting bloc contributed to Obama’s victory in 2008 and is vital in winning the election in November. America has become so divided and partisan over the past decade that no matter who wins the election and governs, based on party affiliation, will not succeed in breaking the grid lock in Washington DC, nor get the necessary bipartisan support to pass a budget or tackle the issues that need to be addressed.

Mitt Romney spoke in a room full of supporters and party members, but his speech was directed at those sitting home, those who do not care who flies on Air Force One but what they get on their table to feed their families. And Romney set the right tone in getting the nation together by addressing the issues that unite us, and the issues that matter the most to Americans on a daily basis.

Based on his commitments and sincerity, I am totally convinced that Mitt will indeed dedicate his entire first term, if elected President, to fix the economy, reduce the unemployment rate, create jobs and get America back on track with a balanced budget and becoming once again a business friendly and job creating environment.

The Republicans or leaning Romney voters do not have to be excited or overwhelmed in voting for the Romney/Ryan ticket, but eager to celebrate success and get back to work.

After all, this election is all about us, our children and the America we live in. We believe in America, and we trust Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan in leading us towards a brighter future.

“The most powerful documentary I have ever seen in my life” ~ Sean Hannity

NOTE: If you are a Democrat or Independent who voted for President Obama in 2008, please leave us a comment, even if you plan to vote for him again in November. Before doing so, please watch these three video clips of other Democrats and Independents as they express their opinions. We would appreciate your sharing your thoughts by leaving a comment (please tell us your party affiliation).

“I’m interested in what he’s done”
“I don’t know if we can recover from this”
“We’re ready for a change”
“Promise…Promise…Promise”
“It made me angry”

Movie trailer to “The Hope and The Change” — Premiere is next Tuesday with full release in theaters in September:

“He let me down”
“Four more years of Barack Obama would be four more years of gridlock. It would be a tragedy if that happens.”
“He’s done a lousy job”
“Smoke and mirrors”
“Government handouts”
“I have no optimism”

Democrats and Independents speak out against President Obama:

“I fear for my children”
“People are angry”
“It’s more disgust at this point”
“False hope”
“To me, it looks very dismal”
“I cannot vote for President Obama again”

If you are a Democrat or Independent, please leave a message on this topic; tell us what is on your mind and THANK YOU! Help us get the word out about this important film.
If you would like to read the comments of other new media writers, please click the following four links: Official Movie Site / HOT AIR / BREITBART / THE DAILY BEAST

American Values: “In God We Trust” — “Liberty” — “E Pluribus Unum”

Twitter Follow: @VicLundquist– Dedicated to all members of The United States military and their families

Mitt Romney is pictured speaking to a large crowd this morning at a Meet 'n Greet breakfast at the Coach Stop restaurant in Londonderry, New Hampshire. U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (right) introduced Romney with an enthusiastic reminder of why she's supporting his candidacy. NH State Senator Sharon Carson (center) announced her endorsement for Gov Romney. Dec 27, 2011 (Photo/Keith Tharp)

Before bustling off to Davenport, Iowa this evening, Governor Romney had a busy day today in New Hampshire.

“Senator Carson has stood up for New Hampshire’s fiscally responsible traditions by working to balance the state budget during difficult economic times without raising taxes. She has also demonstrated a deep commitment to public service by a serving her state as an elected official and serving her country in the United States Army Reserve,” said Mitt Romney. “I am honored to have earned Sharon’s support. Her endorsement is another indication of the building momentum and enthusiasm for my campaign in the final days before the primary.”

“I have taken my time to evaluate the backgrounds and qualifications of each of the candidates seeking the Republican nomination. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that Mitt Romney is the best person to lead our party and defeat President Obama in 2012,” said Senator Carson. “Governor Romney has the background as a conservative businessman and a fiscally responsible chief executive that our next president will need to turn around our country. Mitt has laid out bold initiatives for our country and he has been steady, composed and thoughtful in every one of the presidential debates. He is running the type of traditional grassroots campaign that my constituents expect from presidential candidates. Mitt Romney has earned my trust and support, and I look forward to working to make sure that he is elected the next President of the United States.”

Background On State Senator Sharon Carson:

Sharon Carson Was Elected To The New Hampshire State Senate In 2008. She previously served four terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Senator Carson is an adjunct faculty member at Nashua Community College where she has taught a variety of classes in history. She also has taught at the University of New Hampshire. Senator Carson is a veteran. She is a retired Sergeant First Class from the United States Army Reserve.

● Romney was at the Coach Stop Restaurant in Londonderry bright and early this morning to meet with voters and members of Rockingham County GOP. At noon, he met with voters to discuss jobs and the economy at Geno’s Chowder & Sandwich Shop in Portsmouth.

People in overwhelming numbers lined the entrance into the historic building and filled the Coach Stop Restaurant on the corner of Route 102 and Mammoth Road this morning for a meet and greet breakfast with Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney. Among those in attendance were US Senator Kelly Ayotte and NH State Senator Sharon Carson, along with over 200 local citizens of all ages.

Upon the arrival of Governor Romney, Senator Ayotte gave a resounding endorsement supporting his candidacy, stating that the country was moving in the wrong direction and Romney was the best candidate to fix the problem. Senator Carson also put her support behind Romney, officially welcoming him to Londonderry and endorsing his run for Presidency.

During the breakfast, Romney spoke of the problems facing the country questioning President Obama’s administration failed policies and his direction for America. Governor Romney outlined his plans for the future. Quoting from one of his favorite patriotic songs, America the Beautiful, he quoted “O beautiful for heroes proved, In liberating strife. Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life!” at which point he thanked the Veterans in the room. The final lyric he quoted was “O beautiful for patriot dream, That sees beyond the years”. Then he spoke about how our forefathers had it right that America is good and we must see beyond the years to protect our future generations.

Romney also spoke on strengthening our military and the deterrent benefits derived thereof, and streamlining the federal government. Read full article here.

To see a news report today from WCVBtv of Governor Romney at the Coach Stop Restaurant click here.

● Later today we were thrilled to learn that the Boston Herald endorsed Romney:

[T]here is only one candidate in the Republican field with the integrity, the experience, the organizational strength and the intelligence to beat Barack Obama and that man is Mitt Romney.

But perhaps more to the point, there is only one candidate who can put this nation back on the path to fiscal sanity and restore it to its central role on the world stage. That candidate is Mitt Romney.
[...]
Romney as governor of a thoroughly Democratic state actually managed to get things done during his tenure. That may be a blot on his record to those in the Republican Party who put ideological purity above all else, but in our book that’s actually a plus.
[...]
And Romney is at the core of his being a small government kind of guy. That isn’t simply campaign rhetoric.

“I don’t think the answer to our economic woes is to raise taxes,” he told Herald editors and reporters at a recent meeting. “People are already paying half of their income in taxes [to every level of government].

“Government is simply taking too large a slice out of our economy,” he added.

He knows that long-term entitlement reform is key to getting the economy back on track. And unlike the president who appointed a commission to propose solutions, then promptly ignored its recommendations, Romney would follow through.
[...]Romney’s appeal at the national level is what it has always been here — he’s a tough, no nonsense CEO who wants to bring a sense of trust back to government. And he can attract to his candidacy that growing number of independent voters who will ultimately decide the presidency in November just as he did when he successfully ran for governor in this bluest of blue states.

Mitt Romney can get the job done — the job of running for president and the job of governing. And the Herald is pleased to endorse his candidacy.

The Daily Caller has an excellent article on why Mitt Romney is the best candidate to defeat Obama in 2012.

Democrats know they have an an uphill battle getting reelected in 2012 but they think they have an awesome strategy in getting a second term for Obama:

Earlier this week, Obama’s reelection campaign manager Jim Messina made it clear “that Democrats couldn’t rely on their 2008 game plan to win a second term for Obama in 2012.” As Messina describes it, one of the keys to winning in 2012 is for Obama is to “[e]expand the electorate.”

Their ‘awesome plan’ may be difficult to implement because Mitt Romney is actually shrinking Obama’s electoral map:

“Ironically, there is one GOP presidential frontrunner who is currently expanding the electoral map on Team Obama — Mitt Romney.”

How is Romney shrinking Obama’s electoral map? It’s due to his strong appeal among Independents:

But there is one item that usually escapes the casual political handicapper: Romney’s appeal among independents. This group, which swung to Obama in 2008 and then to the GOP’s congressional candidates in 2010, will be the single most important voting block for either party in 2012. In two battleground states that had been trending blue — Michigan and New Hampshire — Romney has, at times, led President Obama in a hypothetical general election match-up largely because of his appeal among these voters.

Several polls show that Romney is also leading Obama in Florida, a state that is essentially a political microcosm of all the battleground states and a state that the eventual GOP nominee cannot lose if Republicans have any hope of winning the White House in 2012.

The entire purpose of having primaries is for candidates to make their case that they are the best person to WIN in a general election. Every Republican candidate who plans on running in 2012 knows they need the Independent vote to win. Other candidates will argue that they are in the best position to defeat Barak Obama, but they may come up short when it comes to backing such claims with facts.

Mitt Romney is the best person who can make the case that he can defeat Obama and actually back up that claim.

“This is transparently political,” Romney spokesman Ryan Williams said of the NHDP filing with the Federal Election Commission. “For those wondering what the Obama jobs plan entails, it apparently involves hiring more lawyers at the FEC to handle frivolous complaints filed by his minions.”